Six arrested, one injured after machete-wielding group disrupts Flinders Street Station

I didn't know what was happening, there were just these two guys with machetes... it was crazy. The scene was chaotic. – Eyewitness

Victoria Police arrested six people, including four armed with machetes, at Flinders Street Station on Saturday night after a fight broke out within the precinct. A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a laceration to his arm, sustaining a serious injury in the affray.

The group of six was apprehended by Protective Service Officers after they were found armed with machetes on a train platform. The officers seized the weapons and arrested the group without hesitation.

The arrested individuals range in age from 13 to 22, with two 16-year-olds and a 22-year-old among them. The 22-year-old has been charged with affray, reckless cause injury, assault with a weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon. He was released on bail to appear in court on 27 November.

Under laws that came into effect last September, people can be fined up to $48,000 or jailed for two years for possessing a machete. There is also a permanent ban on selling machetes in Victoria, designed to reduce the availability of prohibited weapons in public places.

The incident occurred around 10:30 pm on Saturday night when the area underneath the clocks at Flinders and Swanston streets was taped off due to the confrontation. The police presence in the area ensured public safety during this time.

A video circulating online shows two young men surrounded by officers on a platform next to a train. The area was busy with people visiting the upstairs ballroom for an exhibit that forms part of the ongoing Rising festival, a popular event in Melbourne's cultural scene.

The police statement read: 'Four people who had boarded a train at a platform were arrested after they were found armed with machetes by Protective Service Officers. The officers seized the weapons. Another two people were arrested within the precinct.'

It was later discovered that a 17-year-old had been injured during the affray. He was taken to hospital with a laceration to his arm, prompting concerns about the escalating violence in Melbourne's public spaces.

Flinders Street Station is one of Melbourne's busiest train stations, with thousands of commuters passing through daily. The high-profile arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining public safety in these areas.

A permanent ban on selling machetes in Victoria was implemented after a string of high-profile offences in Melbourne in 2025. The laws aim to prevent violent crimes by reducing the availability of prohibited weapons.

Victoria Police work tirelessly to maintain public safety and security, and the force continues to enforce laws and regulations to prevent violent crimes, keeping the community informed about their efforts to tackle public order issues.